I Only Want You
Here's What To Do
1
When possible, let me "win" and provide most caregiving tasks for me. My insistence that only you should bathe, feed, or dress me (etc.) is a temporary phase. My attachment to you now helps me separate and become independent later.
2
Help others understand that I'm just going through a normal developmental stage- it's nothing personal!
3
Let others be involved in more fun caregiving activities like reading me a book or giving me a snack.
4
Don't worry about leaving me with another caregiver. I'll accept others' help if you're not around.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Give me a hug and a big smile.
E
Engage:
- "Okay, I'm hearing that you only want mama to give you a bath. I will switch what I'm doing so I can help you."
- "Sorry Grandma, he's going through a real mommy phase right now. I read that's normal for babies his age."
E
Encourage:
- "Papa's going to read you some bedtime stories. Yay, Papa's such a fun book reader!"
- When I'm with another caregiver, try to keep my routines and rituals the same as when I'm with you.
R
Reflect:
- How does it make you feel when I won't accept help from anyone else?
As your child grows...
They will move through this temporary phase. While the "only you" phase will be short, it's typical for children to have some level of separation anxiety (when separating from a parent) for several more years.